A Teenager’s Guide To Combatting Stress

Include this article in your Skills Builder Journal. It could help you develop... 
 

According to a recent survey from the Mental Health Foundation, over a quarter of British teenagers aged 13-19 have repeatedly felt “nervous, anxious or on edge”. Another quarter said they have trouble concentrating and 30% have regularly struggled with sleep. These worrying statistics have been steadily worsening over the years while the huge impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously damaged mental health all over the world.

There’s a lot of pressure nowadays for young people to have their lives completely mapped out, to do well in lessons, to know what they’re doing after school ends, to gain work experience and all while maintaining a healthy social life. It’s absolutely exhausting! This relentless schedule results in a lot of stress which then contributes to a rise in mental health problems. So, here are my easy-to-implement top tips to battle that growing tide of stress…

Number 1: Sleep

I know no-one wants to hear it again but a good night’s sleep is vital. You may feel like getting in bed that bit earlier steals a crucial hour or two from your day, but being well-rested gives you a mental health boost which will help you make the most out of the time you have. It’ll allow you to face challenges with a more positive mindset, turning those smaller hurdles into casual strides so you can focus on the bigger ones. Figure out how much sleep you need and try to stick to a comfortable routine.

Number 2: Be Organised

To-do lists and planners might be your best friends! Knowing what you need to do and when you’re going to tackle it can help you feel less overwhelmed when that stack of unfinished assignments starts to look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. My advice is to write everything down – if planners don’t work for you, try a whiteboard or an app. Believe me there’s a system for almost everyone. Just don’t go too far down the rabbit hole and start planning every second.

Number 3: Take a Break

No-one can work constantly. Make sure you set aside time to relax before you start to burn out. As a dramatic, poetic soul, I enjoy getting my work done in the week and then going out at the weekend to somewhere bright and natural. Feeling the Great British wind blowing in my face under a canopy of autumn leaves always makes me feel refreshed as it’s so different from my still, quiet study space inside. It often helps to find things to do that pull you a million miles away from your work so when you return to it, it feels a little less daunting.

Number 4: Get Moving

In a similar vein, exercise is incredibly important as it reduces levels of adrenaline and cortisol (the stress hormones) and bumps up the level of endorphins, often known as the happy hormones. The great thing is: it doesn’t have to be painful. Nothing makes me more afraid than the prospect of a run or workout, but I love dancing every week where I get to stay fit and socialise without wanting to curl up like a foetus after the first minute. Bonus points if you do your activity on a Friday evening so it forms a barrier between work and rest.

Number 5: Brighten Your Surroundings

Life can be ridiculously hard so the last thing you need is the people around you making it harder. Try to surround yourself with good people who make you feel stronger. I know that may be easier said than done, but everything’s a little bit easier if you’ve got a friend to lean on who can push you forwards (and vice versa). Having someone to celebrate your successes with or comfort when things go wrong will help you grow as a person and reduce your stress levels. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Number 6: Be Positive

Again: I know, you’re sick of hearing it, but it needs to be said. It can be difficult to stay positive when it feels like the world is against you (even if the world is just that one teacher who can’t seem to give you a break!) but remember why you’re doing what you are. There’s a reason you signed up for that class or chose that subject. Some are more inspirational than others but try to hang onto that thought and maintain a positive outlook on life. It’ll make each morning that bit brighter, and that certainly goes a long way.

In this day and age, stress is unavoidable but in choosing how we deal with it, we can stay in control. I hope these tips help you manage the pressure but don’t be afraid to reach out for professional support too. Remember: you may be caught in a storm but you can bring the sun out from behind the clouds.